by Aaron M. Renn
Chronicling life riding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
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Eleven people were killed and over 100 injured when a southbound Amtrak City of New Orleans train derailed after striking a tractor trailer loaded with steel reinforcing rods on a grade crossing in Bourbonnais, Illinois on Monday night. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Computer records show that the warning lights and gates at the crossing were functioning correctly at the time of the incident. The driver of the truck (who has a long list of driving related offenses, including four license suspensions), claims the lights did not come on until after he was already in the crossing. He subsequently retained an attorney and has refused to speak further with investigators. Two witnesses, however, appear to back up his claim that he did not drive around the gates. The investigation continues. [ Source: Various media accounts ]
The CTA has added additional rush hour bus service on several routes: the #136-LaSalle, #3-King Dr. (local and exp), #20-Madison, #22-Clark, #147-Outer Drive Exp., #50-Damen, #82-Kimball/Homan, #60-Blue Island/26th, #72-North. [ Source: Chicago Tribune 15 March 1999 ] [ While service increases are always good, this is yet another example of how the CTA is transforming its system into one that focuses almost exclusively on normal business hour commuters - AMR ]
A group of 30 civic groups has endorsed the proposed $35 million Grant Park busway that would link downtown with McCormick Place. The busway would run parallel to the Metra Electric tracks. The cost would be paid for by the McPier Authority, which will also operate charter buses on the route. However, the CTA and other agencies will be able to make use of it as well. [ Source: Chicago Tribune 11 March 1999 ]
The CTA lobbying crew was out in full force again this week, predicting catastrophe if the agency is not given an additional $4.1 billion over the next five years. The CTA claims it needs an immediate grant of $138 million in state funds as the local match for $550 million in authorized federal funds under the TEA-21 transportation funding act. CTA Chairman Valerie Jarrett says the CTA will be forced to close the Douglas L within five years if it does not receive additional money. [ Source: Chicago Tribune 19 March 1999 ]
Metra's spin doctors were also hard at work. In the February edition of the "On the Bi-Level" newsletter, Metra tried to put a good face on its dismal performance during the January snow storm. Those of us who actually rode Metra during that time were not taken in by this "snow job". In the March edition, it was revealed that completion of the project at Randolph St. Station is on hold indefinitely. Until the city finalizes its specs for the proposed Millenium Park, Metra cannot even solicit bids on the project since they will not know the air flow characteristics of the property and thus cannot determine HVAC requirements. Metra does hope that bids packages can go out sometime this summer. "On the Bi-Level" is published roughly monthly and is available online from Metra's web site at:
http://www.metrarail.com/news.html#BILEVEL
The Weekly Breakdown is a small Internet journal devoted to the trials and tribulations of being a regular rider of the Chicago Transit Authority. I would be happy to hear about and include your experiences. Just send mail to breakdown@urbanophile.com.
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